A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that banks use to send money internationally
A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is a standardized bank identifier used for international wire transfers. It tells the sending bank which financial institution should receive your money and where that bank is located. SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication — the organization that assigns and maintains these codes.
Unlike a routing number, which works only within the U.S. banking system, a SWIFT code works across borders. If you are sending money to someone with a bank account outside the United States, or receiving money from abroad, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code. Domestic transfers within the U.S. do not require a SWIFT code — they use routing numbers instead.
Key Takeaways
- A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank and its location worldwide.
- You need a SWIFT code only for international wire transfers, not for domestic U.S. transfers.
- SWIFT codes are publicly available information — you can find them on your bank's website, by calling the bank, or through the official SWIFT directory.
- Some international transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in addition to the SWIFT code, depending on the country.
- A missing or incorrect SWIFT code will delay your transfer or cause it to be rejected by the receiving bank.
How SWIFT codes are structured
A SWIFT code has either 8 or 11 characters, and each part tells you something about the bank. The first four characters are the bank code — a shortened version of the bank's name. For example, CITI for Citibank or BOFA for Bank of America.
Characters five and six are the country code, using the two-letter ISO standard (US for United States, GB for United Kingdom, DE for Germany, and so on). Characters seven and eight are the location code, which identifies the city or region where the bank's main office is. If the code is only 8 characters, it stops there. If it is 11 characters, the last three digits identify a specific branch of that bank.
For example, a SWIFT code for a Citibank branch in New York might look like CITIUS33NYC — CITI (bank), US (United States), 33 (location code), NYC (New York branch).
Where to find your bank's SWIFT code
Your bank's SWIFT code is public information and appears in several places. The easiest route is your bank's website — most banks list their SWIFT code in the international wire transfer section or in a help article about sending money abroad. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the SWIFT code; they will give it to you immediately.
If you need the SWIFT code for a bank where you do not have an account, the official SWIFT directory at swift.com allows you to search by bank name and country. Many third-party financial websites also maintain searchable SWIFT code databases, though the official directory is the most reliable source.
When you are receiving money from someone abroad, ask the sender to provide their bank's SWIFT code. Do not guess or use an outdated code — an incorrect SWIFT code can send your money to the wrong bank, and recovering it becomes difficult and time-consuming.
SWIFT codes versus routing numbers and IBANs
A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers within the United States. It identifies which Federal Reserve bank processes your account. A SWIFT code serves the same identifying purpose but works internationally and uses letters and numbers instead of only digits.
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is a longer code used in Europe and some other regions to identify a specific bank account. Some countries require both a SWIFT code and an IBAN for international transfers; others use only the SWIFT code. The country receiving your money determines which you need. If you are sending money to a European bank account, you will almost always need both the SWIFT code and the IBAN.
| Code Type | Used For | Format | Required When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routing Number | U.S. domestic transfers | 9 digits | Sending money within the United States |
| SWIFT Code | International transfers | 8 or 11 characters (letters and numbers) | Sending or receiving money across borders |
| IBAN | International transfers in Europe and some other regions | 15 to 34 characters (letters and numbers) | Sending money to European or Middle Eastern bank accounts |
What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code
If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank may reject the transfer outright, or the money may be sent to a different bank. In some cases, the receiving bank will catch the error and return the funds to the sender, but this process can take one to three weeks. In other cases, the money may sit in a holding account at the wrong bank, and recovering it requires contacting both banks and filing a trace request.
To avoid this, always double-check the SWIFT code before you send the transfer. Ask the recipient to confirm it, or verify it yourself using the official SWIFT directory. Most banks will not process a transfer if the SWIFT code format looks wrong, but it is better to catch the error yourself than to discover it after the money has been sent.
SWIFT codes for U.S. banks receiving international transfers
If you are receiving money from abroad and your bank is in the United States, the sender will need your U.S. bank's SWIFT code. Most major U.S. banks have a single SWIFT code for all their branches, though some larger banks maintain separate codes for different divisions or regions. Contact your bank to confirm which SWIFT code to give to the sender.
You will also need to provide your account number and routing number. Some international senders may ask for an IBAN as well, though U.S. banks do not use IBANs — if asked, explain that you have a routing number instead and provide that along with your account number and SWIFT code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWIFT code for transfers within the United States?
No. Domestic U.S. transfers use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. You only need a SWIFT code when sending money to or receiving money from a bank outside the United States.
Is a SWIFT code the same as a BIC code?
Yes. BIC stands for Bank Identifier Code, and it is another name for the same thing. SWIFT code and BIC code are used interchangeably and refer to the identical 8 or 11-character identifier.
Can I find a SWIFT code if I only have someone's account number?
No. A SWIFT code identifies the bank, not the individual account. You need to know which bank the account is held at, then find that bank's SWIFT code. Ask the account holder directly which bank they use.
What if my bank does not have a SWIFT code?
All banks that participate in international transfers have a SWIFT code. If your bank says it does not have one, it may not offer international wire transfer services. Contact your bank to confirm whether they can send or receive international transfers, and if so, request the SWIFT code.
How long does an international transfer take if I have the correct SWIFT code?
With a correct SWIFT code, an international wire transfer typically takes one to three business days, though some transfers may take longer depending on the banks involved and any additional processing requirements. The speed depends on the sending bank, the receiving bank, and whether any intermediate banks are involved in the transfer.